"All I will say is Rafa and I would make different requests" - Novak Djokovic on whether he would prefer to play Rafael Nadal in day or night session at French Open
The potential Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic quarterfinal at the 2022 French Open is just a round away from becoming a reality, with both players currently in the fourth round. If it does come to fruition, Djokovic believes Nadal and himself would have different preferences over when the match should take place.
For the blockbuster clash to materialise, though, the World No. 1 will have to first beat Diego Schwartzman while Nadal will have to take care of Felix Auger-Aliassime in the fourth round on Sunday.
During a recent interview, the Serbian superstar was asked if he would like to play his great rival Nadal during the day or night session. Djokovic said that his request would differ from Nadal's.
"All I will say is Rafa and I would make different requests’ (laughs)," the top seed said.
Michael Llodra: ‘If you were to face Rafa in the quarters, would you rather play in the day or in the night session?’
Djokovic: ‘All I will say is Rafa and I would make different requests’ (laughs) https://t.co/JPTBBOWZFp
It's no secret Nadal prefers playing during the day, particularly on clay. In fact, he has made it clear time and again that his style of play is best suited to brighter and warmer conditions.
Night session matches at Roland Garros often experience much cooler and humid conditions compared to the day. The ball is also heavier, negating the bounce that players like Nadal can generate.
All these factors are counter-productive to Nadal's game on clay. He usually puts pressure on opponents with the bounce, speed and depth he can generate with his shots. Nadal explained the same after his third-round win on Friday.
"I don’t like night sessions on clay ... I don’t like to play on clay during the night, because the humidity is higher, the ball is slower, and there can be very heavy conditions, especially when it’s cold," he said in his post-match presser. "I think that makes a big difference on the way you can play tennis on clay during the night and during the day," he added.
Djokovic's preference for the night session might have more to do with the fact that it gives him a better chance of beating Nadal, rather than the conditions suiting his game better. Beating Nadal at the French Open, where he is a 13-time champion, is one of the toughest tasks in the sport.
From outta this world (court) 🌏
@RafaelNadal | #RolandGarros https://t.co/Z08RtOkXA1
Smooth sailing ⛵
@DjokerNole is through to his 13th consecutive fourth round at
#RolandGarros defeating Bedene 6-3, 6-3 6-2. https://t.co/wVOz9Brcfm
History of Rafael Nadal-Novak Djokovic rivalry at French Open
Nadal has only lost three of his 111 matches at the claycourt Major, with two of them coming against Djokovic, including their clash in the 2021 semifinals.
The match was played in the night session. Nadal got off to a great start, taking the opening set, but the Serb found his A-game as the match progressed, eventually winning in four hard-fought sets.
In the 2020 French Open final, though, the Serb had no answer to the 13-time champion, as Nadal won 6-0, 6-2, 7-5. The match was played with a closed roof and in conditions that were perceived to favour the Serb.
Overall, Nadal has a healthy 7-2 win-loss record over Djokovic at the French Open. They have never met before the quarterfinals, with three of their encounters coming in title clashes (in 2012, 2014 and 2020). The 13-time champion won all three matches.